Leader:

Nick Portsmouth

Start Time:

6:30 pm

Start Location:

OMH

Description:

Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way.

This evening we'll be going out via Denchworth & Lyford to visit Garford, returning via a track from West Hanney to Grove. A distance of 13 miles. The track is rough in places but should be fine for those with hybrids or not so skinny tyres on their road bikes.

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Another lovely evening for a ride, this one visiting 3 local churches at Lyford, Garford & West Hanney (actually just riding past this one). When we arrived at Garford, at the far end of the ride, we couldn't see the church but after walking around the end of some farm buildings and through the farmyard, there it was. All the times this ride leader's travelled through this village and I never knew it was there.
After pausing for the ride photo we cycled on to West Hanney and then took the track back to Grove. Thankfully everyone's tyres survived this part of the route .

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Leader:

John Tranter

Start Time:

6:30 pm

Start Location:

OMH

Description:

Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly.

It's amazing how different a ride feels when you do it in reverse. So we are going to apply this principle to a classic ride to the east. We go out via Denchworth and Hanney, across the Cow Common road to Steventon, up the hill-ette of Steventon Hill, down Featherbed Lane to East Hendred and then across to Ginge. We trace the back lanes and tracks back to Wantage and then get to Grove along the A338 bike track.

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The weather looked a little threatening, but in the end we had a pretty much perfect evening. It was nice to be a little cooler!

A big group meant we split into two from the start - thanks to Jon and Karen for leading the second group. Basically, it was just a nice, mellow ride. This way around seems hillier - perhaps because the ups are steeper and the downs are shallower. In any event, thanks to all for your company and making it such a fun evening.

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Leader:

David Yearley

Start Time:

6:30 pm

Start Location:

OMH

Description:

Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.

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Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly.

At this point in the season, a jaunt into the hilly Downs should be a doddle . Please don't remind me of my words as I struggle up the hills!

Coinstrained by all the roadworks around Wantage and Grove, straight into Wantage and up to Brightwalton on the A338, then over to West Ilsley, back to Farnborough and then the glorious swoop down Chain Hill and back to Grove.

The nights are starting to draw in, so please make sure you bring lights.

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A lovely rolling ride tonight. Despite there being a wide range of abilities and a great deal of climbing, the ride kept together really well

James managed to get up Manor Hill and the climb to Brightwalton despite a puncture and its reappearance. He decided that having to change his mountain bike tube would cause too much of a delay to the rest of us so chose to sort it out on his own and make his own way back. The rest of us carried on up and down, enjoying the wonderful views. And so we came to the top of Chain Hill and the glorious swoop down to Wantage.

Nick very kindly agreed to lead those returning to Grove, whilst the leader snuck off for an early shower Many thanks to Dave T and Jane for sweeping and to all of you for a really enjoyable, convivial evenings riding.

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A solid run out towards WHH into a surprisingly thick headwind. Once the lumps and bumps of the Spring Line were negotiated, the group was able to hold a tight formation and make excellent progress (with a slight wind assist...) to Shillingford and beyond. New rider Peter Wrench fit straight into the 4* groove, Frank & Jordan weren't happy with 50km so departed at Hanney for some Lains Barn Loop action.
A really good group, making the ride leaders' job very easy.